ASTM E2400/E2400M-06(2015)e1
(Guide)Standard Guide for Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plants for Green Roof Systems
Standard Guide for Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plants for Green Roof Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide addresses performance characteristics for green roof systems with respect to the planting. A rooftop is an extreme environment with strong and variable wind patterns and little or no protection from the sun’s intense heat and ultraviolet radiation. Selection of plant material can be crucial for success of the green roof system.
5.1.1 This guide provides general guidance only. It is important to consult with a professional horticulturist, green roof consultant, or work with similar professionals that are knowledgeable, experienced, and acquainted with green roof technology and plants.
5.2 Determining these performance characteristics of green roof systems provides information to facilitate the assessment of engineering aspects of the facility. Such aspects may include structural design requirements, mechanical engineering and thermal design requirements, and fire and life safety requirements.
5.3 Determining these performance characteristics of green roof systems provides information to facilitate assessment of the performance of one green roof system relative to another.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the considerations for the selection, installation, and maintenance of plants for green roof systems.
1.2 This guide is applicable to both extensive and intensive green roof systems.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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´1
Designation: E2400/E2400M − 06 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for
Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plants for Green
Roof Systems
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2400/E2400M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in January 2015.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Guide
1.1 This guide covers the considerations for the selection, 4.1 This guide covers the selection criteria for plants to be
installation, and maintenance of plants for green roof systems. used on green roofs. Primary considerations are as follows:
4.1.1 Design intent,
1.2 This guide is applicable to both extensive and intensive
4.1.2 Aesthetics,
green roof systems.
4.1.3 Climate; including both macroclimate and
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
microclimate,
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4.1.4 Plant characteristics, including the rate of
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
establishment, longevity, and disease and pest resistance, and
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
4.1.5 Media composition and depth.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
4.2 This guide covers the installation of plants for green
with the standard.
roofs. Installation methods include:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2.1 Precultivation, and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2.2 Direct planting on roof (seeds, root cuttings, and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
plugs).
priate safety and health practices and to determine the
4.3 Guidance is also provided for the maintenance of plants
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
for green roofs.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 This guide addresses performance characteristics for
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
green roof systems with respect to the planting.Arooftop is an
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Perfor-
extreme environment with strong and variable wind patterns
mance of Buildings
and little or no protection from the sun’s intense heat and
ultraviolet radiation. Selection of plant material can be crucial
3. Terminology
for success of the green roof system.
3.1 Definitions:
5.1.1 This guide provides general guidance only. It is
3.1.1 For terms related to building construction, refer to
important to consult with a professional horticulturist, green
Terminology E631.
roof consultant, or work with similar professionals that are
3.1.2 For terms related to sustainability relative to the
knowledgeable, experienced, and acquainted with green roof
performance of buildings, refer to Terminology E2114.
technology and plants.
5.2 Determining these performance characteristics of green
roof systems provides information to facilitate the assessment
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and
of engineering aspects of the facility. Such aspects may include
Waterproofingand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.24 on Sustain-
ability.
structural design requirements, mechanical engineering and
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published February 2015. Originally
thermal design requirements, and fire and life safety require-
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E2400-06. DOI:
ments.
10.1520/E2400_E2400M-06R15E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.3 Determining these performance characteristics of green
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
roof systems provides information to facilitate assessment of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. the performance of one green roof system relative to another.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
E2400/E2400M − 06 (2015)
6. Selection rooftop. Unlike most perennials and grasses, succulents are not
considered fire hazards because of the large percentage of
6.1 In general, green roofs can be categorized into two
water that is stored in their leaves. The aesthetic value of the
types, intensive or extensive, depending on the plant material
roof will continually change throughout the growing season
and planned usage for the roof area.
and over time. Plant competition and succession will occur as
6.1.1 Intensive green roofs—Intensive green roofs utilize a
in any landscape. Similarly, identical plant palettes will look
wide variety of plant species that may include trees and shrubs
and behave differently depending on the local environmental
and are generally limited to flat roofs. Use of large plants
conditions.
requires deeper media layers, possibly 25 cm [10 in.] or more,
6.2.3 Climate—Climate has a major impact on plant selec-
which results in more weight and a need for an increased
tion. Typically, the microclimate of the roof will be different
structural load capacity of the building. Intensive green roofs
than the microclimate in the same location at grade. Microcli-
usually have higher requirements for water, labor and other
mates on a rooftop can dramatically affect plant health and
resources than extensive green roofs.
appearance and contribute to the failure of a green roof system.
6.1.2 Extensive green roofs—Extensive green roofs use a
narrow range of species limited to herbs, grasses, mosses, and
6.2.3.1 In particular, average high and low temperatures,
drought tolerant succulents such as sedum, a succulent plant extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, and the amount and
known for its tolerance for extreme conditions. These types of
distribution of rainfall throughout the year will determine what
plants can potentially be sustained in a media layer as shallow species can survive in a specific area. Drought tolerance is
as 2.5 cm [1.0 in.] and, therefore, they can often be installed on
important because high levels of solar radiation and low media
buildings without the cost of major structural alterations.
moisture are usually the norm, especially in shallow extensive
Extensive green roofs generally require less maintenance and
systems. Climatic conditions, especially the amount and dis-
are generally less expensive to install than intensive green
tribution of rainfall and temperature extremes, will eliminate
roofs.
the use of certain species or will dictate the need for irrigation.
6.2.3.2 Microclimate specific to the location must also be
6.2 Criteria for Selecting Species:
considered. Surrounding structures may shade a portion of the
6.2.1 Design Intent—The design intent will impact plant
roof, thus altering the evapo-transpiration rate of the plants.
selection. Aspects of design intent that may influence plant
Drying winds will be stronger the greater the elevation of the
selection include: accessibility and use of the roof, stormwater
building and a roof built with different levels can cause
management objectives, xeriscaping objectives, and thermal
changes in wind and sun patterns, leaving some areas hot and
insulation objectives. Considerations for wildlife, such as
dry and other areas relatively cool and moist. Roof slope and
establishing connections with a wildlife corridor or providing
orientation will influence the intensity of the sun, as south-
habitat for wildlife of local ecosystems may also impact the
facing slopes will be drier and warmer than north-facing
plant selection. Considerations for wildlife should be coordi-
slopes. Slope also affects water-holding capacity, as sloped
nated with a knowledgeable consultant and the regional Ex-
roofs will drain faster due to the laws of gravity. Plants
tension Service to verify anticipated wildlife in that climate at
growing near the bottom of a slope will likely be greener
the rooftop elevation.
because of higher media moisture content relative to the top.
6.2.1.1 The design intent and available installation and
This could be a factor in choosing plant species that will be
maintenance budgets are key factors is determining media
successful. One must also consider the exhaust from air vents
depths and plant selection.
for heating and air conditioning units as well as chemical
6.2.2 Aesthetics—Aesthetics often drive green roof design
exhaust from industrial buildings.
and plant selection. Combinations of evergreens and flowering
plants with a long blooming season work well together. 6.2.4 Plant Characteristics—Other qualities usually consid-
However, flowering perennial plants may recede into the ered desirable for green roof plants include rate of
ground during winter or long, hot, dry periods in the summer.
establishment, longevity, and disease and pest resistance. Low
Iftheysurviveroofenvironmentalconditions,theywillusually growing plants that spread rapidly to cover the media reduce
regenerate themselves from the root system, but periods of potential erosion problems and inhibit weeds. Although, rapid
drought can leave a mass of browned-out, dead looking plants coverage is important, the lifespan of these plants should be
that could be a fire hazard. Similarly, grasses are difficult to considered, as many rapidly spreading plants may be short-
keep green throughout the summer. One can allow grasses to lived. The ability of the plant species to be self-sustaining
grow until June and then cut them back to approximately three reduces the need for future replanting and maintenance. Spe-
inches in height, but this practice requires extensive labor. cies that are long-lived, that reseed themselves, or spread
Plants may look fantastic early in the year, but most cannot vegetatively should continue to provide full coverage as long
withstand summer heat and drought conditions when growing as environmental conditions are favorable. In addition, aggres-
in shallow extensive roof media depths. In order to grow most sive plants may provide fast coverage, but one must be careful
annuals, perennial flowering herbaceous plants, and grasses, not to introduce invasive species. For the most part, species
either irrigation must be present or the media must be deeper. such as sedum will not become invasive in a temperate climate
If irrigation is not available, then succulent species such as be
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: E2400 − 06 E2400/E2400M − 06 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for
Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plants for Green
Roof Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2400;E2400/E2400M; the number immediately following the designation indicates
the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in January 2015.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers the considerations for the selection, installation, and maintenance of plants for green roof systems.
1.2 This guide is applicable to both extensive and intensive green roof systems.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information only.stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For terms related to building construction, refer to Terminology E631.
3.1.2 For terms related to sustainability relative to the performance of buildings, refer to Terminology E2114.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 This guide covers the selection criteria for plants to be used on green roofs. Primary considerations are as follows:
4.1.1 Design intent,
4.1.2 Aesthetics,
4.1.3 Climate; including both macroclimate and microclimate,
4.1.4 Plant characteristics, including the rate of establishment, longevity, and disease and pest resistance, and
4.1.5 Media composition and depth.
4.2 This guide covers the installation of plants for green roofs. Installation methods include:
4.2.1 Precultivation, and
4.2.2 Direct planting on roof (seeds, root cuttings, and plugs).
4.3 Guidance is also provided for the maintenance of plants for green roofs.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This guide addresses performance characteristics for green roof systems with respect to the planting. A rooftop is an extreme
environment with strong and variable wind patterns and little or no protection from the sun’s intense heat and ultraviolet radiation.
Selection of plant material can be crucial for success of the green roof system.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofingand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.24 on Sustainability.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2006Jan. 1, 2015. Published February 2006February 2015. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as
E2400-06. DOI: 10.1520/E2400-06.10.1520/E2400_E2400M-06R15E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
E2400/E2400M − 06 (2015)
5.1.1 This guide provides general guidance only. It is important to consult with a professional horticulturist, green roof
consultant, or work with similar professionals that are knowledgeable, experienced, and acquainted with green roof technology and
plants.
5.2 Determining these performance characteristics of green roof systems provides information to facilitate the assessment of
engineering aspects of the facility. Such aspects may include structural design requirements, mechanical engineering and thermal
design requirements, and fire and life safety requirements.
5.3 Determining these performance characteristics of green roof systems provides information to facilitate assessment of the
performance of one green roof system relative to another.
6. Selection
6.1 In general, green roofs can be categorized into two types, intensive or extensive, depending on the plant material and
planned usage for the roof area.
6.1.1 Intensive green roofs—Intensive green roofs utilize a wide variety of plant species that may include trees and shrubs and
are generally limited to flat roofs. Use of large plants requires deeper media layers, possibly 25 cm (10 in.)[10 in.] or more, which
results in more weight and a need for an increased structural load capacity of the building. Intensive green roofs usually have higher
requirements for water, labor and other resources than extensive green roofs.
6.1.2 Extensive green roofs—Extensive green roofs use a narrow range of species limited to herbs, grasses, mosses, and drought
tolerant succulents such as sedum, a succulent plant known for its tolerance for extreme conditions. These types of plants can
potentially be sustained in a media layer as shallow as 2.5 cm (1.0 in.)[1.0 in.] and, therefore, they can often be installed on
buildings without the cost of major structural alterations. Extensive green roofs generally require less maintenance and are
generally less expensive to install than intensive green roofs.
6.2 Criteria for Selecting Species:
6.2.1 Design Intent—The design intent will impact plant selection. Aspects of design intent that may influence plant selection
include: accessibility and use of the roof, stormwater management objectives, xeriscaping objectives, and thermal insulation
objectives. Considerations for wildlife, such as establishing connections with a wildlife corridor or providing habitat for wildlife
of local ecosystems may also impact the plant selection. Considerations for wildlife should be coordinated with a knowledgeable
consultant and the regional Extension Service to verify anticipated wildlife in that climate at the rooftop elevation.
6.2.1.1 The design intent and available installation and maintenance budgets are key factors is determining media depths and
plant selection.
6.2.2 Aesthetics—Aesthetics often drive green roof design and plant selection. Combinations of evergreens and flowering plants
with a long blooming season work well together. However, flowering perennial plants may recede into the ground during winter
or long, hot, dry periods in the summer. If they survive roof environmental conditions, they will usually regenerate themselves from
the root system, but periods of drought can leave a mass of browned-out, dead looking plants that could be a fire hazard. Similarly,
grasses are difficult to keep green throughout the summer. One can allow grasses to grow until June and then cut them back to
approximately three inches in height, but this practice requires extensive labor. Plants may look fantastic early in the year, but most
cannot withstand summer heat and drought conditions when growing in shallow extensive roof media depths. In order to grow most
annuals, perennial flowering herbaceous plants, and grasses, either irrigation must be present or the media must be deeper. If
irrigation is not available, then succulent species such as sedum,sempervivum, and delosperma are considered good choices
because of their ability to withstand extended drought and other adverse environmental conditions often present on a rooftop.
Unlike most perennials and grasses, succulents are not considered fire hazards because of the large percentage of water that is
stored in their leaves. The aesthetic value of the roof will continually change throughout the growing season and over time. Plant
competition and succession will occur as in any landscape. Similarly, identical plant palettes will look and behave differently
depending on the local environmental conditions.
6.2.3 Climate—Climate has a major impact on plant selection. Typically, the microclimate of the roof will be different than the
microclimate in the same location at grade. Microclimates on a rooftop can dramatically affect plant health and appearance and
contribute to the failure of a green roof system.
6.2.3.1 In particular, average high and low temperatures, extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, and the amount and
distribution of rainfall throughout the year will determine what species can survive in a specific area. Drought tolerance is
important because high levels of solar radiation and low media moisture are usually the norm, especially in shallow extensive
systems. Climatic conditions, especially the amount and distribution of rainfall and temperature extremes, will eliminate the use
of certain species or will dictate the need for irrigation.
6.2.3.2 Microclimate specific to the location must also be considered. Surrounding structures may shade a portion of the roof,
thus altering the evapo-transpiration rate of the plants. Drying winds will be stronger the greater the elevation of the building and
a roof built with different levels can cause changes in wind and sun patterns, leaving some areas hot and dry and other areas
relatively cool and moist. Roof slope and orientation will influence the intensity of the sun, as south-facing slopes will be drier
and warmer than north-facing slopes. Slope also affects water-holding capacity, as sloped roofs will drain faster due to the laws
of gravity. Plants growing near the bottom of a slope will likely be greener because of higher media moisture content relative to
´1
E2400/E2400M − 06 (2015)
the top. This could be a factor in choosing plant species that will be successful. One must also consider the exhaust from air vents
for heating and air conditioning units as well as chemical exhaust from industrial buildings.
6.2.4 Plant Characteristics—Other qualities usually considered desirable for green roof plants include rate of establishment,
longevity, and disease and pest resistance. Low growing plants that spread rapidly to cover the media reduce potential erosion
problems and inhibit weeds. Although, rapid coverage is important, the lifespan of these plants should be considered, as many
rapidly spreading plants may be short-lived. The ability of the plant species to be self-sustaining reduces the n
...
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